NORWICH – Zane Megos, who is facing half a dozen accusations that he scammed would-be renters out of thousands of dollars, is continuing his illegal activities, police said.

Norwich police arrested Megos on Friday afternoon after a four-month investigation by Officer Steven Schmidt, according to a news release.

Megos, 55, of 31 Dellwood Road in Norwich, was charged with violation of conditions of release. He was held on a $10,000 cash bond pending a Dec. 5 appearance in New London Superior Court.

Before his arrest, Megos was out on bail, facing six larceny cases in which authorities said he swindled prospective renters out of security and rental deposits for apartments and homes that either were condemned or that he didn't own.

As a condition of his release on bail, Megos was forbidden to offer to rent or take security deposits from anyone. Police said, however, that the Norwich Housing Department reported Megos was seen meeting with individuals in a shopping plaza off of Salem Turnpike and engaging in what appeared to be financial transactions.

Schmidt discovered Megos had allegedly defrauded a couple looking to rent an apartment, police said. The couple paid a down payment to rent an apartment on North Main Street, police said, but after several delays by Megos, they asked for their money to be returned. They received only a portion of the down payment back from Megos, police said.

Detectives conducted an undercover operation, police said, posing as prospective tenants interested in a property listed on Craigslist. During the investigation, detectives spoke to Megos and his associates over the telephone and arranged for a meeting in person, police said.

Anyone with information regarding any similar crimes is encouraged to call Norwich police at (860) 886-5561, the anonymous tip line at (860) 886-5561, ext. 500, or e-mail crimetips@cityofnorwich.org.